Caldwell Environmental Commission and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Partner on Green Infrastructure to Manage Stormwater and Support Native Wildlife

Caldwell, NJ — The Caldwell Environmental Commission and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program have completed a series of rain garden installations across Caldwell, funded by the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as part of a broader partnership to improve local stormwater management and water quality.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program's mission is to identify and address water resources issues by engaging and empowering communities to employ practical, science-based solutions that help create a more equitable and sustainable New Jersey. The program pursues this mission through research, project development, assessment, extension, and collaboration with regional, national, and international partners.

A Partnership Years in the Making

The collaboration between Caldwell and Rutgers dates back to 2019, when members of the Caldwell Environmental Commission took part in the Green Infrastructure Champions Training Program offered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources. Building on that training, Caldwell applied for and received a grant from Sustainable Jersey later that year, giving the Commission valuable data and experience in green infrastructure planning.

That groundwork paid off in 2022, when the Caldwell Environmental Commission and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program were awarded a stormwater management grant funded by the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grant is currently administered jointly by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), the Borough of Caldwell, and Rutgers. Caldwell's project was one of just 18 selected statewide for stormwater management funding. Because the Environmental Commission already had data on hand from its earlier work with Sustainable Jersey and Rutgers, the Commission was well positioned to apply for and secure this competitive grant.

New Rain Gardens Take Root

Through the grant, three new rain gardens have been installed at:

• Grover Cleveland Park
• St. Aloysius Church
• Sisters of St. Dominic

Each garden is planted with native species selected to support local pollinators and birds, reinforcing the ecological value of the stormwater management project alongside its water quality benefits.

The plantings were made possible by the hands-on efforts of numerous community volunteers and partners, including members of the Caldwell Environmental Commission, the Master Gardeners of Essex County, members of the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy, and the Green Team at St. Aloysius Church.

Training Program Returns in 2027

Building on the success of this partnership, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program will once again offer its Green Infrastructure Champions Training Program in 2027. Community members and municipal partners interested in developing the same kind of science-based, community-driven green infrastructure projects are encouraged to sign up.

Registration: www.rutgers.edu